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Lighthouse Hill Reservoir

Lighthouse Hill Reservoir, also often called the Lower Salmon River Reservoir, is located in Oswego County just north of Altmar. The Lighthouse Hill Reservoir lies about 3 miles downstream of the Salmon River Reservoir, and like the larger reservoir, it's also used in hydroelectric generation by Brookfield Power Company.

Physical Features

Elevation: 700 feetArea: 164 acresMaximum Depth: 50 feet

Plant Life

Very little rooted aquatic vegetation in the reservoir due to fluctuating water levels.

Public Access Site

Bennett Bridges Day Use Area. Take Cemetery Road (County Route 22) out of Altmar for approximately 3 miles to Bennett Bridges. Parking for about 25 cars, shore-fishing and a beach launch. No motors allowed on the reservoir.

Hogs Back Road Day Use Area. North side of reservoir, continue past Bennetts Bridge and take next left onto Hogs Back Road. Parking, shore-fishing and a hand launch. Electric motors only.

General Fishing Information

Rainbow trout, largemouth bass and the occasional brown trout are the main gamefish caught in the reservoir. Yellow perch, rock bass, brown bullhead, bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish can also be found in the reservoir. Rainbow trout are usually targeted in the spring and early-summer shortly after they're stocked. Good baits to try are worms, minnows, and artificial natural baits (like Gulp or PowerBait) fished under a bobber. Spinners, small stickbaits, spoons and flies will also work especially in the flowing water where the upper Salmon River and power companies discharge canal enter the reservoir. Largemouth bass can be caught on Texas rigged worms, spinnerbaits and crankbaits worked along the shoreline.

Fisheries Management

Lighthouse Hill Reservoir is stocked annually with approximately 4,050 year-old rainbow trout (8-9"). Special fishing regulations exist for trout in Oswego County so please review the Special Regulations by County section of your Freshwater Fishing Guide.